French Roulette is a classic table game that brings the elegance and excitement of traditional casinos to players. Known for its favourable rules and unique features, this game has captivated Canadian players who enjoy the thrill of live gaming. In Canada, French Roulette is available exclusively on online casino sites, where players can experience the real deal with live dealers and authentic gameplay.
The Origins of French Roulette
French Roulette dates back to 18th-century France, where it first appeared as a game of chance. Over time, the game’s popularity spread across Europe and eventually made its way to North America. As roulette evolved, different versions emerged, including European and American Roulette. French Roulette, however, has kept many of its original rules, making it a favourite for players who appreciate its history and elegance. Today, it remains one of the most respected and well-loved versions of the game.
Understanding the rules
The rules of French Roulette are straightforward. The game is played on a wheel with 37 numbered pockets, including numbers 1 to 36 and a single zero (0). Players place their bets on a betting grid, where they can choose from various options such as single numbers, groups of numbers, or even outside bets like red/black and odd/even. Once all bets are placed, the dealer spins the wheel, and a small ball is released onto it. The goal is to predict which pocket the ball will land in. If the ball lands on your chosen number or group, you win based on the payout odds for that bet type.
Types of bets
French Roulette offers a wide range of betting options. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of bets, their payout odds, and the probability of winning:
| Bet Type | Payout | Probability of Winning | House Edge |
| Straight-up (1 number) | 35 to 1 | 2.70% | 2.70% |
| Split (2 numbers) | 17 to 1 | 5.41% | 2.70% |
| Street (3 numbers) | 11 to 1 | 8.11% | 2.70% |
| Corner (4 numbers) | 8 to 1 | 10.81% | 2.70% |
| Line (6 numbers) | 5 to 1 | 16.22% | 2.70% |
| Dozen/Column | 2 to 1 | 32.43% | 2.70% |
| Even-money bets | 1 to 1 | 48.64% | 1.35% |
These bets allow players to choose between high-risk, high-reward options like straight-up numbers, or safer bets with lower payouts but a higher probability of winning, such as even-money bets.
The role of the Zero
The single zero (0) in French Roulette is what sets it apart from other versions like American Roulette, which has both a single and double zero. The presence of only one zero reduces the house edge to 2.70%, making it more favourable for players. When the ball lands on zero, special rules come into play for even-money bets: La Partage and En Prison.
La Partage and En Prison rules
La Partage and En Prison are unique rules in French Roulette that offer players a chance to recover part or all of their bets when the ball lands on zero. Here’s how each rule works:
- La Partage: If you make an even-money bet (e.g., red/black, odd/even) and the ball lands on zero, you get half of your bet back. This reduces the house edge to 1.35% for these bets.
- En Prison: If the ball lands on zero, your even-money bet is “imprisoned” for the next spin. If your bet wins on the next spin, you get your original wager back. If it loses, the entire bet is forfeited.
These rules significantly improve the RTP (Return to Player) for even-money bets, making French Roulette the most player-friendly version.
Comparing Roulette Variants
The three main types of roulette are American, European, and French. Here’s a quick comparison:
- American Roulette: Has a double zero (00) and a single zero, which raises the house edge to 5.26%. The higher house edge makes it less favourable for players.
- European Roulette: Features a single zero, which reduces the house edge to 2.70%, similar to French Roulette. However, it lacks the La Partage and En Prison rules.
- French Roulette: Also has a single zero, but with the added benefit of the La Partage and En Prison rules, the house edge can drop to 1.35% on even-money bets.
Strategies
French Roulette strategies can help players maximize their chances of winning. Some of the most popular strategies include the Martingale system, which involves doubling your bet after each loss, and the Paroli system, where you double your bet after a win. While these strategies can be useful, it’s important to play responsibly. To learn more about betting strategies and how to optimize your game, check out the complete guide at frenchroulette.online.
Playing French Roulette in Canada
In Canada, French Roulette can only be found at online casinos. These casinos offer live-streamed games where players can experience the real atmosphere of a casino, complete with live dealers and real-time gameplay. Luxury Casino is a popular choice among Canadian players for French Roulette, providing an exceptional live gaming experience with high-quality video streaming and professional dealers.
The Live Experience
The French version of the game is only offered in live mode at online casinos to preserve its authentic nature. Playing live allows players to watch the ball spin on a real wheel, enhancing trust and excitement. This approach maintains the traditional feel of the game, making it more engaging than software-based versions that rely on a Random Number Generator (RNG). The live format ensures that French Roulette remains true to its roots, offering a realistic and immersive gaming experience.
French Roulette continues to captivate players with its unique features and favourable rules. Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned player, its combination of tradition, low house edge, and engaging live experience makes it a must-try for any casino enthusiast in Canada.
The Blanc Brothers and French Roulette
The Blanc brothers, François and Louis, played a pivotal role in the development of French roulette in the 19th century. In 1843, they introduced the single-zero roulette wheel at their casino in Bad Homburg, Germany, to compete with other establishments that used the double-zero version. This innovation reduced the house edge, attracting more players to their casino. Their success quickly spread to Monte Carlo, where they helped transform the principality into an iconic gambling destination. Thanks to their influence, the single-zero roulette wheel became the standard in European casinos.
